NASBLA Mourns the Passing of Former Georgia BLA Terry West
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) mourns the passing of former Georgia DNR Deputy Commissioner and NASBLA President, Terry West.
Terry earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Ga., and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. In addition, Terry is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College.
Terry’s career was marked by impressive accolades, demonstrating his commitment to improving safety and enhancing the lives of others. In 1988, he was named the Macon District Ranger of the Year and the Coastal South District Ranger of the Year. Then, in 1990, he was named the State Conservation Ranger of the Year. In December 2000, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of the division, becoming the State’s Boating Law Administrator. In February 2005, he was promoted to Chief of the Law Enforcement Division and was responsible for managing and administering the statewide agency’s 221 conservation officers.
During his time as Chief of Law Enforcement for DNR, he was instrumental in modernizing and innovating the enforcement practices of game wardens statewide. Following his time with Law Enforcement, Terry served as Assistant Director of the Wildlife Resources Division, and ultimately retired from the Commissioner’s Office as Deputy Commissioner.
Terry’s leadership advanced NASBLA in many ways over the years, including serving as President and Treasurer. In addition, he chaired NASBLA’s Law Enforcement and Conference committees.
Terry is survived by his wife of over 26 years, Cheryl. He is also survived by their well-loved children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. A private service for the family will be held at a later date. As a memorial, please consider a donation to the West & Warren Foundation, P.O. Box 2601, Ellijay, Ga., or to the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, Ga., or
gnrf.gadnr.org.